Harriett Baldwin joined staff at a Malvern technology company to celebrate the opening of new office space. AuraQ recently took over the whole building where it is based on Graham Road in Malvern and the company has completed the first phase of a refurbishment which includes areas for the staff to relax and unwind including a state-of-the-art home cinema system informal work areas and even a table tennis table. The company has more than doubled in size in the last three years and now employs more than 30 staff with plans to take on 20 more in the next couple of years. Harriett first met with AuraQ managing director Mike Clarke when she helped the company to switch banks to help them grow. As a result of the improved banking arrangements, the company has been able to rapidly grow taking on a number of major contracts including working with ITV and Transport for London. Harriett commented: “I’ve stayed in touch with Mike since he first visited a session I hosted on business banking and his company has gone from strength to strength in the last few years. “His staff work flexible hours so it is important for him to create the right work environment and this investment in relaxation areas has gone down really well with his staff. “I hope that the company continues to grow and remains one of the great success stories of the town.” AuraQ’s Mike Clarke added: “Work is about more than just earning money. It’s important nowadays to provide the right environment for creative people to enjoy being at work doing what they do.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP joins staff at AuraQ in their newly refurbished Malvern office space.